Lee Zeitouni's family files complaint in France

After unsuccessful attempts to extradite French nationals who killed their daughter and fled country, Lee Zeitouni's parents file complaint in France, enabling local authorities to pursue legal action

AFP |Published: 07.01.12 , 23:04

The family of Lee Zeitouni, who was killed in a hit-and-run incident involving
two French citizens who fled Israel, filed a complaint in France against the assailants.

The move came after the family unsuccessfully tried to extradite the driver and passenger, Claude Khayat and Eric Rubik, to Israel.
"They wanted the proceedings to take place in Israel, but eventually they accepted the situation," said Attorney William Goldnadel, who noted that the family filed a civil claim against the two.

The website of French newspaper La Figaro dedicated its headline to the story, noting that "the law dictated the parents' decision," because France does not extradite its citizens to other countries.

The paper explained that Rubik and Khayat enjoyed a legal loophole that enraged many both in Israel and France. On the one hand, the French authorities could not act without a complaint, and on the other hand, the Israeli authorities could not do anything without an extradition. "The move seals the deal. Khayat and Rubik will be tried in France," the report concluded.

Zeitouni, who was 25-years-old at the time of her death, was hit forcefully by Khayat's vehicle while crossing a crosswalk in Tel Aviv last September. The two escaped the scene and left Zeitouni injured on the road.

Shortly after, Khayat said in a phone conversation from France that he does not intend to return to Israel, from fear of being sent to 20 years in prison. He noted that he preferred to stand trial in
Paris, where the maximal punishment he could receive is seven years improsonment.